NBA MVP rankings: Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s reign may be in peril

The NBA regular season just started, but it’s not too early to look ahead to the league’s most significant individual award.

It’s clear the field for Most Valuable Player is going to be a crowded one, and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s run of two consecutive awards may be in peril. It’s also clear that injuries are going to take their toll on the race for the prize.

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Several significant ailments, none bigger than Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards’ knee issue, are going to complicate résumé, as players try to meet the 65-game threshold for eligibility.

It has been an intriguing start to the season, so here is the first iteration of the USA TODAY Sports’ NBA Most Valuable Player rankings:

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Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA’s 50 best players

1. Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)

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Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA’s 50 best players

1. Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)

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Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA’s 50 best players

2. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

(Jesse Johnson, Imagn Images)

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Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA’s 50 best players

3. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

(Wendell Cruz, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

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Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA’s 50 best players

4. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers

(Marc Lebryk, Imagn Images)

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Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA’s 50 best players

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami Heat

(Sam Navarro, Imagn Images)

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Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA’s 50 best players

6. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)

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Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA’s 50 best players

7. Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)

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Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA’s 50 best players

8. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

(David Berding, Getty Images)

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Jokić, Shai or Wemby? Ranking the NBA’s 50 best players

9. Jayson…

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Publish date : 2026-10-30 10:09:00

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